Multi-compartment expandable envelopes



Feb. 22, 1966 P, JOHNSQN ET AL 3,236,439

MULTI-COMPARTMENT EXPANDABLE ENVELOPES Filed June 22, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VEN TORJ EDVVARDRJHNJ'ON BY CLARKAJQBRAHAMJON A TTORNEY Feb. 22, 1966 JOHNSON ET AL 3,236,439

MULTL-GOMPARTMENT EXPANDABLE ENVELOPES 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 22, 1964 FIG.5

N Mm. W; MJM oNfl ,MR M M Z W R A M M @Q Feb. 22, 1966 JQHNSON ETAL 3,236,439 MULTI-COMPARTMENT EXPANDABLE ENVELOPES 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 221 1964 INVENTORS fowARokJfl/vsalv BY CZARKAABRAHAMJM ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,236,439 MULTI-COMPARTMENT EXPANDABLE ENVELOPES Edward P. Johnson and Clark A. Abrahamson, St. Paul, Minn., assignors to Quality Park Envelope Company, a

corporation of Minnesota Filed June 22, 1964, Ser. No. 376,933 4 Claims. (Cl. 229--72) This invention relates to a gusset envelope that is separated by expandable dividers into two .or more compartments. The dividers are gusseted so that they expand with the gusseted side and bottom walls of the envelope.

Today there are many different uses for multi-compartment envelopes of the gusset or expandable type. For example there is an ever growing trend to issue trading stamps or coupons in conjunction with the sale of merchandise at the retail level. Issuance of stamps and coupons, of course, requires that the saver store them for eventual redemption. Trading stamps can be stored relatively easy by simply moistening their adhesive surface and pasting them into a book. As soon as a sufficient number of books are filled with stamps they are taken to a redemption center to be redeemed for selected merchandise.

Storage in a book is not practical in the case of premium coupons which are issued in a great variety of sizes and shapes and usually do not contain an adhesive surface. As distinguished from trading stamps, which are issued by retailers, premium coupons are issued by manufacturers for the primary purpose of building an association between the manufacturer of the product and the ultimate purchaser. It is, therefore, necessary that premium coupons be issued directly with the manufacturers products and as such are often packaged with the product in its container or printed directly on the products label. Thus the individual coupons must be removed from the package or label and then stored in bulk in conventional envelopes, file jackets and the like until a sufiicient number have been saved for redemption. This presents the problem of storing and mailing the coupons without mutilating, tearing, crinkling or otherwise damaging them. Careful storage of premium coupons is now of special importance due to the recent and developing practice of the use of electronic scanning devices to scan the coupons after they have been turned in for redemption. Scanning is used to determine the validity of the coupons and to decipher coded market data printed on them. To be scanned electronically coupons must not be exposed to any great degree of tearing, crinkling or other form of mutilation so that they cannot be effectively and efficiently scanned.

The invention disclosed herein is directed in part to an envelope for conveniently and simply storing and mailing premium coupons so that they will not be torn or mutilated. Basically this invention is a multi-compartinent expandable envelope divided into two or more compartments by dividers which can expand with the envelope as it is filled. Each compartment can expand to hold a considerable quantity of premium coupons or the like in orderly arrangement. The separate compartments, being only slightly larger in Width than the average premium coupon, prevents the coupons from being disposed randomly or haphazardly as they would be in a conventional envelope, thus greatly reducing the chances of tearing, crinkling or other mutilization. Coupons are stored in the envelope by the saver as they are accumulated and after the requisite number have been saved for selected 3,236,439 Patented Feb. 22, 1966 merchandise the coupons are simply mailed in the envelope for redemption.

In some states a tax must be paid when the coupons are redeemed. The envelope exemplified by this invention provides a coin compartment on the rear panel so that coins for payment of any required taxes can be mailed directly with the envelope when the coupons are mailed in for redemption.

The above explanation is only one example of the use of the invention disclosed by this application. It is to be understood that the envelope described herein may be used whenever a multi-compartment expandable envelope is preferred. Examples are storing or mailing recipes, 1a icounting receipts, small memorandum cards and the Prior art expandable envelopes have proven inefiicient in operation or costly and difficult to manufacture because the compartment dividers do not expand properly or the structure of the dividers require several steps in manufacture of the envelope. The instant invention obviates these ditficulties by providing dividers that may be formed integrally with the envelope blank or formed separately and secured to the blank in one single operation. The objectives of this invention are therefore:

1st: To provide a gusset envelope with expandable dividers to divide the envelope into two or more compartments.

2nd: Provide a gusset envelope with expandable dividers which divide the envelope into two or more separate compartments, the envelope being easy and economical to manufacture.

3rd: To provide a multi-compartment envelope that conveniently stores a large number of premium coupons without tearing or otherwise damaging them and also has a convenient compartment for depositing coins in payment of any taxes required upon redemption of the coupons.

Other objectives inherent in the structure described, pictured and claimed will become more fully apparent as the disclosure of the invention proceeds.

This invention will be described with reference to the figures of the drawings in which corresponding numerals correspond to the parts described and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the envelope blank before folding;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the envelope with the side panels and division panels folded into assembled positron;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the rear surface of the envelope in assembled unexpanded position with the closure flap open;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the lines and in the direction of the arrows 4-4 of FIG. 3 with the envelope fully expanded;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from the rear of the envelope partially cut away and fully loaded and sealed closed;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an expandable divider used in a modified form of envelope;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the modified envelope blank with the divider section shown in FIG. 6 attached thereto; and

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the modified envelope in assembled form as seen from the top along a line at the juncture between the body of the envelope and the closure flap.

The envelope described in this invention is die cut from any suitable paper stock to form an envelope blank generally designated 10. The major components of the envelope comprise the blank and a plurality of score lines which divide the blank into a series of panels. The panels comprise a front panel 11; side panels 12 and 13; division panels 14 and 15; bottom panel 16; rear panel 17 and closure panel 18. The division panels incorporate a gusseted divider or section. In one form of this invention, the division panels are integrally formed with the side panels. In a modified form of envelope the division panel is formed separately and secured to the envelope before the latter is assembled.

The envelope is assembled by folding the panels into their correct position in the sequence shown in FIGS. 1 through 5. The structure of the various parts of the envelope and its assembly will now be described.

As best seen in FIG. 1, side panels 12 and 13 are comparatively narrow and are actually gusseted panels, the gussets being formed by score lines 19, 20, and 21 in panel 12 and scores 22, 23 and 24 in panel 13. The side panels are integral with front panel 11 and separated therefrom by scores 21, 22. They are also integral with corresponding division panels 14 and 15. In assembly each side panel and its corresponding division panel is folded over onto the rear surface of front panel 11 along the score lines and 23.

A pair of tabs 25 and 26 are formed at the upper end of each side panel so that when the envelope is sealed closed in the fully expandable position of FIG. 5, the tabs 25 and 26 are folded downward under the closure panel 18. The fold of each tab is in the direction of the arrows of FIG. 3 and they are folded to a horizontal position which is parallel to the upper edge of the envelope compartment. When in folded position the tabs insure a tight fit between the juncture of the closure panel '18 and each side panel by contact with the inner surface of the panel 18.

The bottom panel 16 is also a gusseted panel formed by score lines 29, 30 and 31 and is integrally joined with the front and rear panels respectively along scores 29 and 31. The bottom and rear panels are folded to the assembled position along line 30, the remaining scores 29 and 31 forming an expandable gusset.

At each end of panel 16 are two pairs of projections 32, 32a, 33 and 33a which are formed integrally at the ends of the bottom and side panels and the lower portion of the division panels as best seen in FIG. 1. The function of these projections is to assist in making a complete closure at the juncture of the bottom and side panels when the envelope is assembled and fully loaded. Their function is similar to tabs 25 and 26. When division panels 14 and 15 and side panels 12 and 13 are folded into position over the front panel, it is seen from FIG. 2 that projections 32 and 32a are superimposed over projections 33 and 33a as well as a portion of the bottom panels between scores 29 and 30. That portion of projections 32 and 32a that are superimposed over the bottom panel are adhered thereto by an adhesive applied to the bottom panel between scores 29 and 30 at the positions shown in FIG. 1. When the bottom and side panels are fully expanded as shown in FIG. 5, the projections 33 and 33a and the triangular portion of projections 32 and 32a fold inwardly over the bottom panel 16 to form relatively tight juncture between the side and bottom of the envelope.

The division panels 14 and 15 are integrally joined to the side panels along scores 19 and 24 and are simply an extension of the sides. A series of scores 34, 35 and 36 in panel 14 and 37, 38 and 39 in panel 15 form a pair of gusseted divider panels 40 and 41 within each division panel. Each of the divider panels 40 and 41 fit transversely acrossthe envelope compartment when the envelope is assembled to divide the compartment into three smaller compartments as best seen in FIG. 4. Each division panel also comprises an inner adhesive wall indicated by numeral 42 for panel 14 and numeral 43 for panel 15 and an outer adhesive wall 44 as part of panel 14 and outer wall 45 as part of panel 15. The purpose of the adhesive walls will now be explained.

Before folding the side and division panels onto the inner surface of front panel 11 two vertical adhesive strips are applied thereto at the strip areas designated 46 and 47. Each of the gusseted divider panels 40 and 41 are folded 180 along their respective scores 35 and 38 so that the two outer walls 44 and 45 are folded back onto walls 42 and 43 respectively. Each side and division panel is then folded onto the inner surface of front panel 11 along score lines 20 and 23 as best seen in FIG. 2. The side and divider panels are secured by pressing the outer adhesive walls 44 and 45 onto its corresponding vertical adhesive strip 46 and 47 which are now in registry with the two walls. The envelope is now in the position of FIG. 2. The outer adhesive walls 44 and 45 are adhered and positioned against the inner surface of front panel 11 by means of strips 46 and 47 as best seen in FIG. 4.

A coin pocket is formed by placing a series of adhesive strips 48 in the form of an inverted U along the inner surface of rear panel 17. A finger gripping area is provided by die cutting a semi-circular recess 49 in panel 17 when the blank 11 is cut so that coins may be easily inserted into the pocket. A rectangular sheet 50 of suitable paper is placed over and adhered to the U-shaped strip 48 to form the coin pocket. The inner surfaces of rear panel 17 and rectangular sheet 51 constitute the coin pocket as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4 and the cut away area of FIG. 5.

Rear panel 17 is secured in place by placing a series of rectangular adhesive strips 51 and 52 on the outer facing surface respectively of inner adhesive walls 42 and 43 as shown in FIG. 2. To complete assembly, panel 16 is simply folded along score line 30 over the division panels 14 and 15 and secured by the rectangular strips 51 and 52. The envelope is now assembled to the position of FIG. 3. The guesseted divider panels 40 and 41 divide the envelope into three separate compartments best seen in FIG. 4.

The envelope in the position of FIG. 3 is now ready to be filled with premium coupons or other similar articles. The coupons are simply placed in one of the three compartments in sequential or random order, whichever is preferred. As the envelope is filled, the gusseted side and bottom panels and the gusseted divider panels 40 and 41 will expand by reason of their respective scores in the well understood manner of gusseted envelopes and jackets. Printed data of any kind may be printed on the inner surface of the closure panel 18. For example such data can be used to explain and facilitate the sequence of storing coupons and the like or record supplementary market data when premium coupons designed for electronic scanning are stored in the envelope.

When the envelope is fully expanded it will be in the position of FIG. 4 and the closure panel 18 is then folded over the expanded envelope along the score line 27 which separates the closure panel from front panel 11, best seen in FIG. 1. A score line 28 is disposed in spaced relation above score 27 a distance equivalent to the expanded Width of the side. and bottom gussets. Thus as the closure panel is folded over the envelope the rectangular area formed between scores 27 and 28 folds transversely over the top of the envelope. The balance of the closure panel from score 28 to its free edge folds down upon the outer surface of rear panel 17 to form a complete closure as shown in FIG. 5. A conventional adhesive may be used to secure the closure panel to panel 17.

A modified form of envelope is seen in FIGS. 6 through 8. The modified envelope is made from a die cut blank which is similar to blank 10 except that the gusseted side and bottom panels are eliminated and the division panel is separately formed and adhered to the blank 110 upon assembly of the envelope as hereinafter explained.

Blank 110 comprises a rectangular front panel 111 with side panels 112 and 113, a rear panel 117 and a closure panel 118 disposed adjacent the edges of panel 111. All panels are integrally joined by score lines, score 119 joining panels 111 and 112, score 120 joining panels 111 and 113, score 121 joining panels 111 and 117 and score 127 joining panels 111 and 118.

A separate division panel 115 is formed from a rectangular sheet of suitable paper and comprises a pair of gusseted divider panels 140 and 141. The gussets are formed by longitudinal score lines 134, 135 and 136 in panel 140 and lines 137, 138 and 139 in panel 141. Panel 115 also has a central adhesive wall 142 between scores 136 and 139 and two outer adhesive walls 144 and 145 at its free ends. A pair of vertical adhesive strips (not shown in the drawings) similar to strips 46 and 47 of FIG. 1 are applied to the inner surface of front panel 111 in the same position as the strips disposed on panel 111. Panel 115 is then folded along mid-scores 135 and 138 to the position of FIG. 6. The panel is then secured along its walls 144 and 145 to the inner surface of panel 111 by means of the vertical adhesive strips so that it is fastened as shown in FIG. 7.

The envelope is assembled following a sequence similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-3. The side panels 112 and 113 are folded onto the front panel along scores 119 and 120 and a suitable adhesive is applied to the outer surface of each side panel. In addition, an inverted U- shaped adhesive strip 148 is centrally applied to the inner surface of the rear panel 117. Panel 117 is then folded along score 121 onto front panel 111 and division panel 115. Upon being folded into position, it will adhere to the adhesive applied to the side panels. Also the U-shaped adhesive strip 148 will adhere to the central wall 142 of the division panel. The envelope will now be assembly as shown in FIG. 8. It is to be noted that the adhesive strip 148 adheres to central wall 142 in U shaped contour to form a coin pocket between the wall 142 and rear panel 117. This pocket is similar to the pocket previously described except that a separate rectangular sheet 50 is not necessary in this modification as wall 142 acts as the inner lining of the pocket. A finger recess 149 may be die cut along the free edge of panel 117 to facilitate insertion of coins into the pocket.

Upon loading the envelope with premium coupons or the like the gusseted divider panels 140 and 141 are expanded in the manner described above. To seal the envelope closed after loading, closure panel 118 is folded downward onto the envelope along score 127. It may be adhered to the surface of rear panel 117 in the conventional manner by applying a suitable adhesive along the free end of panel 118.

The envelopes described herein are die cut and scored so that they are suited for assembly by automatic envelope machinery. In the modified envelope the separate division panel 115 may be mechanically formed first and then automatically assembled along with the envelope blank by folding it along scores 135 and 138 and attaching it to blank 110.

It is apparent that many modifications and variations of this invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The specific embodiments described are given by way of example only and the invention is limited only by the terms of the following claims.

We claim:

1. An expandable envelope blank adapted to be assembled in an automatic envelope machine comprising; a plurality of score lines defining a rectangular front panel centrally disposed on said blank; side, bottom, rear and closure panels joined to said front panel along its respective edges by said score lines; division panels integrally formed with and extending from said side panels for terminating in adhesive walls coextensive with the free ends, thereof, said division panels foldable with said side panels onto said front panel when the envelope is assembled, said division panels having gusseted divider panels adjacent the adhesive walls; adhesive means disposed on said front panel for securing the adhesive walls to said front panel when said side and division panels are folded onto said front panel, said gusseted dividers being of the same width as said front panel and secured by said adhesive walls to said front panel substantially normal thereto for dividing the envelope when assembled into a plurality of expandable compartments.

2. An expandable envelope comprising; a rectangular front panel joined along its respective sides by a closure panel for folding over the envelope and sealing same closed and expandable side and bottom panels; a rear panel joined to said bottom panel, said front, side, bottom and rear panels forming an envelope compartment; division panels integrally joined to said side panels for extending into the envelope compartment, said division panels having expandable gusseted divider panels transversely disposed in the envelope compartment for dividing same into a plurality of expandable compartments, and having further, a first adhesive wall secured to said rear panel and second adhesive walls secured to said front panel, said walls securing said gusseted divider panels in position within said compartment; means secured to the upper edge of said side panels foldable under said closure panel for sealing the juncture between said side and closure panels when the envelope is closed; and projection means integral with said side and bottom panels for folding over said bottom panel to seal the juncture of said side and bottom panels when said envelope is fully expanded.

3. An expandable envelope comprising; a rectangular front panel; a pair of side panels, a rear panel and a closure panel joined to said front panel and foldable along the edges thereof to form an envelope compartment therewith; a division panel of rectangular configuration centrally disposed in said compartment, said division panel having gusseted panels and first adhesive walls adjacent opposite edges thereof and a second adhesive wall disposed between said gusseted panels, said first adhesive wall secured to said front panel and said second adhesive wall secured to said rear panel for securing said gusseted panels in transverse position within said compartment and dividing same into a plurality of expandable compartments; and pocket means formed by said rear panel and second adhesive wall adjacent said compartment.

4. An expandable envelope blank adapted to be assembled in an automatic envelope machine comprising; a plurality of score lines defining a rectangular front panel centrally disposed on said blank; a pair of side panels, a rear and a closure panel joined to said front panel along its respective edges by said score lines; a U-shaped adhesive area centrally disposed on the inner surface of said rear panel; and a division panel of substantially rectangular configuration having first adhesive means co-extensive with opposing sides of said division panel, said first adhesive means being folded toward the vertical axis of said division panel and secured to said front panel, said division panel having further, gusseted means contiguous with said first adhesive means and second adhesive means disposed between said gusseted means for securing said division panel to said rear panel along said U-shaped area and forming a pocket between the second adhesive means and said rear panel when secured to said rear panel by said U-shaped adhesive area, said first and second adhesive means securing said gusseted means between said front and rear panels when said envelope blank is folded to assembled position for dividing said envelope into a plurality of expandable compartments when said envelope is assembled.

(References on following page) References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Fitzgerald 22972 8 FOREIGN PATENTS 383,281 10/1932 Great Britain.

JOSEPH R. LECLAIR, Primary Examiner.

FRANKLIN T. GARRETT, Examiner. 

2. AN EXPANDABLE ENVELOPE COMPRISING; A RECTANGULAR FRONT PANEL JOINED ALONG ITS RESPECTIVE SIDES BY A CLOSURE PANEL FOR FOLDING OVER THE ENVELOPE AND SEALING SAME CLOSED AND EXPANDABLE SIDE AND BOTTOM PANELS; A REAR PANEL JOINED TO SAID BOTTOM PANEL, SAID FRONT, SIDE, BOTTOM AND REAR PANELS FORMING AN ENVELOPE COMPARTMENT; DIVISION PANELS INTEGRALLY JOINED TO SAID SIDE PANELS FOR EXTENDING INTO THE ENVELOPE COMPARMENT, SAID DIVISION PANELS HAVING EXPANDABLE GUSSETED DIVIDER PANELS TRANSVERSELY DISPOSED IN THE ENVELOPE COMPARTMENT FOR DIVIDING SAME INTO A PLURALITY OF EXPANDABLE COMPARTMENTS, AND HAVING FURTHER, A FIRST ADHESIVE WALL SECURED TO SAID 